Don't cry for me, Argentina, because I'm having a great time drinking your wines.
How good, and how reasonably priced, Argentine wines are today became clear when hundreds were lined up for a trade tasting at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Their retail prices ranged from $6.49 (Orfila Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) to $115 (Magdalena Toso). But very few soared so high. Most were under $20, and really good bottles were priced $9 to $12.
This means Argentine wines should do very well in today's troubled economy. And there will be more to choose from, because new areas are being planted to vineyards, pointed out Nora Z. Favelukes, president of QW Wine Experts, who represents the industry.
Look for wines from Catamarca in the north, Neuquén in Patagonia and the province of San Juan, which is located between Mendoza and La Rioja.
Mendoza is still the best known wine region, producing 80% of Argentina's wines--"the California of Argentina," Favelukes calls it.
And look beyond Malbec. This may be Argentina's signature grape, but it's responsible for just 14% of Argentine wines, Favelukes says.
Instead, try Syrahs and Viogniers from San Juan, elegantly nuanced Bonardas, Tannats, Merlots, Sangioveses, Sauvignon Blancs, rosés and, what's really on the horizon, red blends.
If I had tasted all the wines that were poured, I would not be writing this now, but here are a dozen that I found notable. This is not a "best of tasting" list. Regard it as an indicator of the variety of good Argentine wines out there now.
1. Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé of Malbec 2009, from Dominio del Plata Winery in Mendoza. This was a surprise, a big-bodied, full-flavored rosé with beautiful color, spiciness and elegance. It sells for around $12.
2. Bodegas Santa Ana Bonarda Reserva 2008, Mendoza. The vine stock for Bonarda was brought to Argentina by Italian immigrants, and the varietal has caught on so well that you'll be seeing more and more Argentine Bonardas.
This one is strongly aromatic, with powerful, sweet tannins and hints of raspberry. The color is an intense, dark, purple-red. The price wasn't available, but whatever it may be, this wine is well worth buying.
3. Andeluna Malbec 2009, Mendoza. Described as an entry level Malbec, Andeluna's wine would be good at any level. Aged six months in French and American oak, then six months in bottles, it costs only $10.99.
4. Domingo Molina Tannat-Malbec 2007, Salta. Tannat is mostly identified with Uruguay, but this one is a high altitude Tannat and has more minerality and higher acidity than the wines produced in Uruguay. It's 95 % Tannat, with 5 % Malbec added to temper the acidity. The price is $22.
5. Finca Quara Viña Cabra Corral Malbec 2008, Salta. Finca Quara is located in Salta's Cafayate Valley, and so this delectable single-vineyard Malbec is another high altitude wine. It was not included in the tasting catalog, but a Quara reserve Malbec 2007 was listed at $28, so I am guessing the price would be similar.
6. Filus Torrontes 2010. The Filus winery is located in Mendoza, but its Torrontes is from Cafayate. A lovely example of this aromatic white wine, it has pleasing minerality. The price: $12.99.
7. Bodega del Fin del Mundo Cabernet Franc 2007, Patagonia. This is the first release of a varietal that is new to the winery, and it's worth trying just to see that Argentina isn't only about Malbec. $35.
8. Pascual Toso Alta Reserva Syrah 2007, Mendoza. Another worthy departure from Malbec, this wine shows how well Argentina can handle Syrah. The price is $35.
9. Finca Eugenio Bustos Altivo Malbec Rosé, Mendoza. Here is Malbec in a new form, a sparkling wine (right).
It's so new that it hasn't arrived yet in the United States. Due in December, the Altivo rosé will be available for Valentine's Day.
Slightly sweet and a gorgeous strawberry pink, it's ideal for a romantic celebration. $13.99.
10. Zorzal Climax Malbec 2008, Mendoza. Want a high end, premium Malbec? This one was produced from hand-harvested grapes and aged in new French oak for two years. It's worth the price, $45 to $50.
11. Finca Flichman Misterio Shiraz 2008, Mendoza. If you can't afford high-end wines, you'll be happy with this one and delighted with the price. It's only $9.
12. Bodegas Santa Ana's new line of organic wines, Mendoza. There are three, an Eco Torrontes, Eco Malbec and Eco Cabernet Sauvignon. They're all from the 2009 vintage, which is the first release, and they sell for $12. Good wine at a bargain price.
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